Toy Drives In Madison: How To Make The Holidays Merry For Everyone

MADISON, CT — While you’re checking off holiday gifts for family members, don’t forget the kids who aren’t on anyone’s shopping list and pick up some items for toy drives in Madison.

One of the most well-known toy drives is the Toys for Tots campaign, led by the Marine Corps Reserves. Since 1947, Toys for Tots drives across the country have collected 708 million toys that were distributed to 314 million children.

Toys for Tots is organized nearby in New Haven by New Haven Marines for Toys for Tots.

Last year in Madison, toys were distributed to more than 60 children who might not otherwise have gotten any Christmas gifts

Besides dropping off new, unwrapped toys at several drop-off locations, people who want to support the campaign can also donate online. Here’s what you need to know in Madison:

The Madison Police Department’s Toy Fund and Food Drive is underway through Dec. 14, according to organizers.

"All new (unwrapped) gifts, monetary donations, and food items may be dropped off at the Police Department located at 9 Campus Drive 24 hours a day, 7 days a week," wrote First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons in a recent Community Update.

Additionally, the Madison Ambulance corps is also accepting toy donations through Dec. 13 to be distributed to Madison Kids & Toys For Tots.

Among the items the groups hope to receive include LEGOS, makeup kits, sports equipment and more.

For more information, contact Holly Berke at berkeh@madisonct.org or 203-245-6502.

The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, an IRS-recognized nonprofit public charity created in 1991, uses 97 percent of every donation to buy toys for children in need.